Mike Gast – The Allstate Bloghttps://blog.allstate.com
Expert tips and fun facts on protecting your car, home, motorcycle or RV from Allstate Auto InsuranceThu, 08 Dec 2016 23:06:57 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.166977242Not Roughing It: Camping with the Creature Comfortshttps://blog.allstate.com/the-creature-comforts-of-camping/
https://blog.allstate.com/the-creature-comforts-of-camping/#commentsTue, 03 Sep 2013 10:15:08 +0000https://blog.allstate.com/?p=5313Leaving the hassle of everyday life seems to be a universal benefit of going on a camping trip. I know I really enjoy the “getaway” aspect of camping. When I’m among the trees, setting up my tent and tending the campfire, I prefer to be “unplugged” from much of my technology at home…or at least […]

]]>Leaving the hassle of everyday life seems to be a universal benefit of going on a camping trip. I know I really enjoy the “getaway” aspect of camping. When I’m among the trees, setting up my tent and tending the campfire, I prefer to be “unplugged” from much of my technology at home…or at least nearly unplugged. I still bring my cellphone along for safety reasons (and I might even read the occasional email).

Today’s campsites feature all sorts of activities and amenities to help keep campers active and entertained (if they want that). The funny thing is, many campers say that there are some things they just can’t leave at home. And it’s not just the basics, like your favorite people and pets, toilet paper, a good book and some campfire cooking essentials. Oh no, it goes a lot further than that. We’ve identified four main categories of this new breed of campers.

Java Junkies

Photo courtesy of grey-foto via Flickr

According to our Facebook fans, the No. 1 “can’t live without” item is best summed up by Alyce Wonder: “Coffee baby, coffee!” For some, it’s just the pot and their favorite grind; for others, like Karen McNamara, who carries her single-cup coffee maker with her wherever she camps, the right gear is absolutely essential. “(I) don’t care what it weighs. I carry it back and forth every time.” And, Jeanne Rock Qualkinbush understands that devotion. She carries her Bialetti espresso pot and an electric frother stick so she can “always have a latte, even at camp.”

Softies

Photo courtesy of I_am_tommythompson via Flickr

Another “gotta have it” for many campers is a bit of pillowy, soft comfort among the dusty, crunchy nature — at least at nighttime: “I cannot sleep comfortably on the ground, so an air mattress is a MUST,” says Robert Barry. Steve Roach, who has a 2-foot-tall air mattress, couldn’t agree more, noting, “Bad backs need some comfort when it comes to tent camping!”

Gadget Gang

Photo courtesy of Matt Apps via Flickr

These days, not surprisingly, more and more campers need their gadgets. Facebook friend Betty Wilcox says that camping has to come complete with a DVD player and video games for her son. “Sorry to the purists out there,” she says. “I need to buy an RV!” Eric Early agrees, saying that he has to have access to a TV, even if it might seem to be the opposite of camping. “At some point you’re going to want to sit down and be entertained,” he said.

Homebodies

Photo courtesy of TheDIYWorld via Flickr

Finally, there are those for whom “necessity” takes on a whole new meaning. Deb Roberts loves having a solid roof over her head—with all the amenities of home. “We upgraded to a truck camper several years ago, “ she says. “The added plus is that now we don’t have to pack anything but our clothes and food before heading out. We already have the kitchen sink!”

These types of campers are perfectly fine with trading the cost of lowered mpg for the benefits and comfort of an RV. Camper Rebecca Lamey is also proud to travel in comfort, which includes air conditioning, a fridge, a microwave, a shower and more. “I don’t camp,” she says, “I just drive around in a house on wheels.” Michelle Lewis, who recently purchased a travel trailer, agrees. “Spoiled, I guess — I like all the conveniences of home.”

]]>https://blog.allstate.com/the-creature-comforts-of-camping/feed/25313Camp Safety: Choose the Right Camping Safety Gearhttps://blog.allstate.com/camping-safety-gear/
https://blog.allstate.com/camping-safety-gear/#respondMon, 26 Aug 2013 19:38:27 +0000https://blog.allstate.com/?p=5305When most folks think of camping, it’s all about fresh air, sunshine and outdoor fun. Unlike back-country camping, where you rough it on your own, campgrounds like those at Kampgrounds of America have amenities like warm showers, swimming pools and a store for those last-minute needs. But even at organized campgrounds like that, keeping safety a […]

]]>When most folks think of camping, it’s all about fresh air, sunshine and outdoor fun. Unlike back-country camping, where you rough it on your own, campgrounds like those at Kampgrounds of America have amenities like warm showers, swimming pools and a store for those last-minute needs.

But even at organized campgrounds like that, keeping safety a top priority is an important part of having a good experience. Over the past six months, North America has seen flooding, tornadoes and hurricanes—natural phenomena that bring potential devastation for those who aren’t prepared. But even more common are the potential dangers, which are an inherent part of camping, like sunburns, bug bites and injuries that happen during daily activities.

Along those lines, we asked our campers via social media what gear they take with them when they hit the road. And some of the answers might surprise you:

KOA’s Friends

Facebook friend Bryan Hensley has an emergency kit that’s ready to go when he camps. That includes, he says, “a weather radio, a map of where we are, water, first aid kit [and] flashlights.” He and fellow KOA Facebook friend Christine Boerner Jones also suggest bringing both extra propane and nonperishable foods.”

In today’s world, cellphones are a key part of not only day-to-day life, but also emergency preparedness. Keeping a printed list of emergency numbers to reference quickly is a must, especially if your cellphone battery dies and you need to get a hold of someone in an emergency. Also consider including an “ICE” (in case of emergency) contact name and number on your list, too.

Some campers who responded to our inquiries were also focused on some of the more basic needs, including toilet paper, propane, a good book, extra batteries, rain ponchos and, according to Emmy Reid, rain pants are a must. “I’m not sure why it took me 15 years to figure that out,” she says.

Nancy and Tom Kilmer told us via Facebook that in addition to traditional emergency gear, they had another concern. “We travel with five cats and a cocatoo [sic],” they wrote, “so we have cat carriers and a carrier for the ‘too.” Cathy Gibbs, who has two dogs, makes sure that she brings along extra food for them as well.

More Tips:

Keep tabs on the weather forecasts.

Plan your meals in advance.

Stay on trails to avoid tick bites.

Pack a first aid kit.

Never approach wild animals (or your neighbor’s dog).

Wear sunscreen and insect repellent.

Supervise your children. Campgrounds are safe places, but parenting is still a must.

Be careful around water. Never leave children unattended at a pool, river or pond.

Keep propane canisters upright, out of the sun and away from the campfire.

]]>https://blog.allstate.com/camping-safety-gear/feed/05305Camping Etiquette According to KOAhttps://blog.allstate.com/camping-etiquette-according-to-koa/
https://blog.allstate.com/camping-etiquette-according-to-koa/#commentsWed, 14 Aug 2013 10:44:28 +0000https://blog.allstate.com/?p=5230Camping, especially on well-maintained campgrounds, can be a fun, beautiful experience full of adventure. Campers enjoy the outdoors, as well as other campers — many will say that they meet the nicest people during camping trips. At Kampgrounds of America, we make a point of interacting with our campers, and I’ve been told by many […]

]]>Camping, especially on well-maintained campgrounds, can be a fun, beautiful experience full of adventure. Campers enjoy the outdoors, as well as other campers — many will say that they meet the nicest people during camping trips.

At Kampgrounds of America, we make a point of interacting with our campers, and I’ve been told by many people that it’s the little things that make camping getaways perfect. Those little things can include smiles from other campers, short lines at various locations, clean campsites, etc. We like to call these common camping rules “Camp-i-quette.”

With that in mind, we recently asked our Facebook friends what one rule they wished every camper would follow. Here are the Top 4 Camp-i-quette Rules:

1. Keep it Down

That means noise. Camping can be, and many people believe should be, a relatively quiet, calm getaway from the hustle and bustle of day-to-day life. While it’s difficult to manage all sorts of noise through a given day, our Facebook friends want to remind us that sound travels so it’s important to keep the noise down as much as possible, particularly in the early morning and the evening. Some specific suggestions were: